Dash's Back Line Finding Much-needed Consistency

Mackenzie Blackwood smiled and revealed what he is asking Santa Claus for Christmas. “I can’t wait until I get the permanents back in,” said Blackwood as he flashed a goofy grin. “So hopefully in a couple of weeks, you will see me with a pearly white smile.” Two weeks ago, the Avs were toothless.

Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (knee) was listed as a non-participant for the second straight day, putting his availability for Sunday’s matchup against the Colts in jeopardy. With Moss likely missing his second straight game since sustaining an MCL injury against the Raiders last month, Denver has a tough decision to make at the outside cornerback spot opposite Pat Surtain II. The Broncos could turn to veteran Levi Wallace despite a disastrous performance against the Browns his last time out when he allowed six catches for 151 yards.

When Sean Payton first arrived as Denver’s coach in 2023, he quickly set about putting his stamp on just about everything in the organization. That meant many changes to the roster, but two constants emerged over his first and second offseasons: Invest in the offensive line and don’t be afraid to get rid of the franchise’s old guard or big names. The Broncos went big in free agency in 2023, landing Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers right away.

For two years, going on three, DeAndre Jordan has been almost an unofficial team captain of the Nuggets, an often-unfiltered but consistently wise voice at the end of the bench to help compensate for the team’s quieter, less English-savvy superstar. The first quarter of the 2024-25 season might represent the most adversity Denver has faced since Jordan joined the roster in part to fill that exact role. That’s not saying much.

Denver Post Broncos beat reporters Parker Gabriel and Ryan McFadden are joined by columnist Troy Renck to set up a critical stretch run for Sean Payton’s team. The group is coming off its bye week and begins the final four games with a matchup Sunday against Indianapolis that will swing the team’s playoff odds substantially in either direction.

Heisman Trophy finalist and two-way Colorado star Travis Hunter was named The Associated Press Big 12 defensive player of the year while also being a first-team selection at wide receiver on Thursday. Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders is the league’s top offensive player. Kenny Dillingham, the 34-year-old in his second season at Arizona State, was the unanimous choice as Big 12 coach of the year after leading his alma mater to a championship and a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.